Theologisch-ethische reflecties op topsport

Abstract

Modern-day sports, a multi-billion dollar industry, has not received a thorough theological reflection in the Dutch neo-Calvinist tradition. Both Abram Kuyper and Herman Bavinck criticized sports as they knew it. This article evaluates Bavinck’s critique in Paedagogische Beginselen and shows that Bavinck underestimates sports as spiritual human expression. That is, the practice of sports is not necessarily rough and uncivilized, but can also be beautiful and intelligent. Because contemporary sports exhibit many sinful patterns − doping, match-fixing, politics and power − this idolatry and dehumanization threaten a healthy sports practice. A Christian approach to the world of sports should not be naïve; critique, and perhaps avoidance, belong to such reflection